Religious Practises Observed During Lunar And Solar Eclipse
July 1, 2009
Solar and lunar eclipses have become a fun-loving adventure for most people. They throng rooftops to get a glimpse of the eclipse, trying out different colored lens, telescope to experience the changes in the sun or the moon. These are the characteristics of those people who are unaware of the religious practices and rituals that have been followed by their ancestors. Many find such practises old-fashioned and outdated, but there are reasons why they had been performed. However, there are some of us who try to carry on the tradition and believe that there are reasons for them. Although we do not have all the answers and justifications but it is not all blind faith or so called superstition.
During any eclipse whether lunar or solar, impure gases are circulated in the environment. We have no choice but to ingest it. It is therefore advised to remain indoors and avoid looking directly at the eclipse. It is said to affect the eyes and the mindset of the people. These gases also get absorbed in the food. The cooked food should be eaten before eclipse. People should avoid eating and drinking during the eclipse phase. Drinking water can be kept pure by adding Tulasi/Tulsi (Basil leaves). This keeps the water pure. One should also refrain from sleeping during this period. These tips should be strictly observed by pregnant women.
The eclipse Vrata or fast should be observed if any part of the eclipse is visible from the country that one resides in. Food should be ingested and digested before the commencement of the eclipse. So one should know the timings of the eclipse and eat their meals three hours in advance. Gautama in Parashar Madhava explains “All except the young, the old and the ill should stop eating four Prahars (12 hours) before a solar eclipse commences and three Prahars (9 hours) before a lunar eclipse commences. The young, the old and the ill should stop eating one Prahar (3 hours) before an eclipse.”
Food should be consumed only after seeing the sun or the moon free from the eclipse. When the clear sun or the moon is not seen before sunset or sunrise, in the case of the solar and lunar eclipse respectively, food can be taken only after the sun or the moon is seen the following day.
During solar and lunar eclipse people should engage in the devotional service of the Lord. They can meditate, chant His holy names, listen to devotional songs and stutis, do their japa and focus their mind at His lotus feet. The spiritual benefits derived during eclipse is said to be extremely rewarding. Performing one round of japa on the mala is equivalent to hundred rounds on a normal day.
After the eclipse clears, one needs to take a bath with the clothes that they have been wearing. After bathing, they should prepare food and offer it to their diety at home and then eat the Prasad. Many people give alms to the poor and the needy to derive some punya or benefits.
Lunar and solar eclipses are not everyday occurances. They happen over a period of time and it is wise that certain precautions and rituals should be performed. They are meant for a reason even if our so called forward thinking forces us to seek logic and reasoning into them. They should be done thinking that it is for our own good and it is much needed if we want to continue our journey on the spiritual path.
©Nayna, 2007-2009. All Rights Reserved.
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